The Americas: ASeparate World,40,000 B.C.–A.D. 700

Previewing Main IdeasThe first civilizations in the Americas arose as

people came together to create more powerful and structured societies.Geography What geographical feature do most of these early Americancivilizations share?

From their art to their technology, the earlyMesoamerican and South American civilizations influenced the better-knownempires that followed them.Geography Why is it likely that the Nazca and Moche civilizations wereaware of each other?

The Olmec in Mesoamerica tookadvantage of their surroundings, while the groups in South America carvedsocieties out of rough terrain.Geography How were geographic conditions different for the Olmec andChavín peoples?

INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENT

CULTURAL INTERACTION

POWER AND AUTHORITY

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The hunter uses a spear-throwing device to steady the spear and extend the length it travels. The device gives the hunter greater force and accuracy in hurling his spear from a distance.

Should a hunter get too close, the mammoth might crush him under its large feet, or stab him with its deadly tusks.

Other hunters close in for the kill.

How can killing a mammothhelp you survive?You are a hunter living in ancient North America. Along with several otherhunters, you have been tracking the mammoth for days. This giant beast is achallenging prey. Close to 14 feet high at the shoulders, it can easily crush ahuman. Its curved tusks, measuring more than 15 feet in length, are sharp andtherefore dangerous. Yet the rewards of killing the huge animal are worth therisks for you, your fellow hunters, and your families.

Suddenly you spot the massive creature. Aside from spears, your onlyweapons are some simple tools and your superior intelligence.

• What uses might hunters and their families make ofthe slain mammoth?

• What roles might strategy and cooperation play inthe hunt?

As a class, discuss these questions. In your discussion, consider howthis situation speaks to the difficulties of life in a hunter-gatherersociety. As you read about the growth of civilization in theAmericas, notice how the old hunting and gathering way of lifedramatically changed with the development of agriculture.

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